The GB Boxing awards help kids to learn the ropes, and progress in academic life through their work in the ring.

X Box head coach Chris Boyle explained the programme.

He said: “We’ve been running the awards since last May.”

“They’re an introduction to the sport itself, for kids who wouldn’t normally do boxing.”

“We show them the basics, and they achieve a GCSE, accredited through Athe ward Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) so it’s great for them.”

“And it’s great for us because we’re now an educational facility through boxing.”

X Box have a group of 24 young people working their way through the awards.

And those who have progressed to the next level were rewarded with medals and certificates by professional Burkinshaw this week.

Boyle added: “We had Ross, a bantamweight contender, come down to support us.”

“Professionals are interested in being involved in the club which is a brilliant marker for us.”

Burkinshaw is delighted to give something back to a sport that has helped shape his own life.

The 27-year-old, who is currently preparing to fight a Russian opponent at the Octagon in Sheffield on 2nd March , told the Guardian: “I’ve been involved in boxing since I was eight years old, and I used to have Herol Bomber Graham, Naseem Hamed, Clinton Woods and Ryan Rhodes doing things like this for me.”

“So to be able to do it myself now is brilliant.”

“Boxing gives them a bit of a kick, I grew up in a rough and ready neighbourhood and if it wasn’t for boxing I would have gone off the rails.”

“When I was 16 I joined the army and boxed for them and it’s been my life ever since.”